Does an umbilical hernia in a newborn go away on its own? When is it dangerous?

The article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Phan Thi Cam Van - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital. Dr. Van has 07 years' experience as a Resident Doctor and a Pediatrician - Neonatologist at Hue Central Hospital and Hue University Hospital of Medicine and Pharmacy. His strength is in the treatment of Pediatric diseases of Respiratory, Digestive, and infectious diseases; newborn care and treatment, neonatal resuscitation.

An umbilical hernia in an infant may resolve on its own. In cases where the child's intestines are inserted, causing intestinal necrosis, it is very dangerous, so the child should be taken to the hospital for timely examination and treatment.

An umbilical hernia in a newborn is a condition in which a part of an internal organ protrudes out of its original position in the body. The protruding internal organs form a convex mass at the baby's navel area.
The umbilical cord is the bridge that carries nutrients from the mother to the fetus to nourish the baby while in the womb. The umbilical cord is connected to the fetus by a small hole in the muscle of the abdominal wall. When the baby is born, the umbilical cord is removed. About 7-10 days later, the umbilical cord will gradually atrophy, fall off, the wound will dry and heal on its own, forming the baby's navel. The hole in the abdominal wall through which the umbilical cord passes gradually closes on its own. A child with an umbilical hernia is a child whose abdominal muscles cannot close on their own.
Newborn umbilical hernia is common in premature and low birth weight babies. Girls are more likely to have umbilical hernia than boys.

Umbilical hernia protrudes at the baby's umbilical cord. Parents can detect the disease by observing or when gently pressing on the navel area, they can feel a raised mass. When the child lies still, the hernia will be small and sink, very difficult to detect. The hernia will enlarge and can be seen more clearly when the baby bends over, coughs, cries, or when the baby sits up. Umbilical hernias in infants are painless and should not cause discomfort to the baby.

Umbilical hernia in newborns is not a cause for concern because usually the disease can go away on its own, the baby's body will gradually adapt and return to its normal state.
Umbilical hernia in newborns is only dangerous if part of the intestine is inserted into the hernia mass and is blocked, unable to move out, blood is not circulated, for a long time, the baby has bowel necrosis, even abdominal infection. Manifestations of this condition are abdominal pain, crying, vomiting. At that time, parents need to take the child to the emergency room immediately.

In the case of umbilical hernia can heal on its own, parents do not need to do anything, should not have any impact on the baby's navel or apply experienced measures such as sticking a coin on the hernia area because the navel is a part of the baby's belly button. very sensitive.
Some cases of umbilical hernia do not cause pain, but after 3-4 years it has not disappeared by itself, you can go to the hospital to check, doctors will push the hernia into the abdomen easily.
For large and painful hernias for children, hernias with intestinal obstruction, hernias with swollen and red outer skin... then surgical intervention is required. Children should be taken to the hospital as soon as possible for timely examination and treatment.
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Gathering a team of top doctors and nurses in Pediatrics : consists of leading experts with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctorates, masters), experienced, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. Doctors All doctors are well-trained, professional, conscientious, knowledgeable about young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.